The 2016 contests for EU awards for investigative journalism in Western Balkans and Turkey are now closed in all seven countries.

Investigative stories reporting on societal issues related to abuse of power and fundamental rights, corruption and organised crime that otherwise would not have been brought to the public's attention qualify for the award. The 2016 contests are rewarding the investigative journalistic works published in 2015. This year the contests in each country include a new, additional category of the award – for “best investigative story by young journalist”.

The numbers of nominations received are the following:

•     Albania: 29 nominations, including 18 for young journalist category,
•     Bosnia and Herzegovina: 56 nominations, including 23 for young journalist category,
•     Kosovo: 31 nominations, including 26 for young journalist category,
•     Macedonia: 29 nominations, including 12 for young journalist category,
•     Montenegro: 22 nominations, including 9 for young journalist category,
•     Serbia: 37 nominations, including 8 for young journalist category, and
•     Turkey: 43 nominations, including 23 for young journalist category.

The evaluation of the nominated investigative stories is being done by independent juries in each country. The award ceremonies are expected in May 2016.

The 2016 award fund for each country is 10,000 euro with the exception of Serbia, where 5,000 euro from 2015 has been added to this year fund, amounting to 15,000 euro. One to three investigative stories shall be awarded in each country; 3,000- 5,000 euro per individual prize is to be awarded.

The EU award for investigative journalism is being given this year for the second time. It will also continue in 2017.